Why You’ll Love this Homemade Stromboli
Once you’ve tried making this homemade Stromboli, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
The magic happens as that pillowy pizza crust transforms into a golden-brown roll filled with layers of pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and melty mozzarella.
I’m particularly fond of the seasoned olive oil paste that infuses every bite with Italian flavor.
Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is worth the 40-minute wait.
The best part? You control the fillings—want extra cheese? Go for it. Prefer sausage to pepperoni? No problem.
And that crispy, egg-washed exterior gives way to such a satisfying interior.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Stromboli?
Making homemade Stromboli doesn’t require fancy ingredients or special equipment—just a few simple components that come together to create something truly magical.
What I love about this recipe is how it transforms everyday pizza ingredients into an impressive meal that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of meats, cheese, and seasonings wrapped in a golden crust creates a portable feast that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or even sliced into appetizer portions for your next gathering.
- 1 pizza crust (Pillsbury)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 egg yolks (reserve egg whites separately)
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 (6 ounce) package pepperoni
- 1 (3 7/8 ounce) can sliced ripe olives
- 1 (4 1/2 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 (15 1/2 ounce) jar pizza sauce
While the ingredient list might seem long at first glance, you’ll notice most items are pantry staples or easy-to-find refrigerated goods.
The beauty of Stromboli is its flexibility—don’t care for olives? Leave them out. Want to add some bell peppers or swap the pepperoni for Italian sausage? Go right ahead.
The seasoned oil paste is really the secret weapon here, infusing the dough with incredible flavor that elevates this beyond a simple rolled-up pizza.
And don’t skip that egg white wash at the end—it’s what gives your Stromboli that professional-looking golden crust that makes everyone say “wow” when you bring it to the table.
How to Make this Homemade Stromboli
Making Stromboli is like creating an edible work of art, and trust me, it’s much easier than it looks. Start by spreading out 1 pizza crust (Pillsbury works perfectly) on a lightly floured surface until it forms a nice rectangle.
While that’s waiting, mix up a flavor-packed paste using 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 egg yolks (make sure to save those whites for later!), 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. This aromatic mixture is what sets homemade Stromboli apart from regular pizza—it infuses the dough with incredible flavor from the inside out.
Next comes the fun part: layering on those delicious toppings. Arrange 6 ounces of pepperoni across the dough, then sprinkle on the 3 7/8 ounce can of sliced ripe olives and 4 1/2 ounce jar of sliced mushrooms. Add a light drizzle of pizza sauce (not too much or you’ll end up with a soggy bottom), then blanket everything with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Now for the rolling technique—think of it like making a giant savory jelly roll, rolling from both long ends toward the middle. This method helps prevent filling from escaping and creates that signature Stromboli shape. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal, then place it seam-side down on your baking sheet.
The final touch before baking is brushing the top with those reserved egg whites, which will give your Stromboli that beautiful golden-brown sheen that makes everyone go “wow.”
Pop it into a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and slightly crisp. While it’s baking, warm the remaining pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
When that timer dings, let the Stromboli rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps keep all those delicious fillings inside where they belong. Serve each slice with a small bowl of the warmed pizza sauce for dipping, and watch as your homemade Stromboli disappears before your eyes.
Homemade Stromboli Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of Stromboli lies in its flexibility—you can transform this classic Italian-American favorite to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients are hanging out in your fridge.
Try swapping pepperoni for ham, salami, or even BBQ chicken. Not a fan of mushrooms? Substitute bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions.
I’ve been known to raid my cheese drawer, mixing provolone with mozzarella or adding some sharp cheddar for a flavor punch.
Vegetarians, you’re covered too—load it with roasted veggies and pesto instead of sauce.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling particularly bold, I’ll create a breakfast stromboli with eggs and bacon.
What to Serve with Homemade Stromboli
While stromboli stands perfectly fine on its own as a satisfying meal, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire dining experience.
I love serving mine with a crisp Caesar salad, the cool crunch offering perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy stromboli. A light tomato soup also works wonders, especially on chilly evenings.
For something heartier, try roasted vegetables tossed in the same Italian seasonings you used in your stromboli.
And don’t forget that warmed pizza sauce for dipping! My family goes through it like water, sometimes requiring a double batch.
Trust me, these pairings make stromboli night absolutely irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered everything from preparation to pairing suggestions, I can honestly say homemade stromboli has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings alike.
There’s something magical about that spiral of dough packed with savory fillings and melted cheese.
What I love most is its versatility. Switch up the fillings based on what you have on hand, or what your family prefers.
My kids have started requesting “custom stromboli nights” where everyone builds their own.
Trust me, the compliments you’ll receive are worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Happy stromboli making!
Homemade Stromboli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- On a lightly floured surface, spread out the pizza crust until it forms a rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a flavor-packed paste.
- Spread the seasoned oil paste evenly over the pizza dough.
- Arrange pepperoni across the dough, then sprinkle with sliced olives and mushrooms.
- Drizzle lightly with some of the pizza sauce (reserve most for serving).
- Cover everything with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll the dough from both long ends toward the middle, creating a giant savory roll.
- Pinch the seams and ends firmly to seal, then place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top with the reserved egg whites to create a golden-brown sheen when baked.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and slightly crisp.
- While baking, warm the remaining pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
- Allow the stromboli to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.
